General cargo vessel Casanova burning in Colombia

The general cargo vessel Casanova caught fire in engine room at the dock in Barranquilla area, Colombia. The vessel was laid-up with one maintenance crew on board, but after short circuit in diesel generator inflamed. The fire spread from the engine compartment and engulfed the whole superstructure. The accident was reported to the local authorities and the maintenance crew on board was evacuated. The flames almost completely damaged the whole accommodation area, bridge and engine compartment. The firefighters waited until fire burned out. No additional information on oil leaks, water pollution or injuries was reported.

The vessel is docked at eastern coast of Colombia in Barranquilla area since August 2016. The vessel was laid-off and listed for sale until finding a new owner. The destiny of the ship is unknown after the fire, as most of the engineering and superstructure were completely damaged. The authorities started investigation for the root cause and circumstances around the fire.

The general cargo ship Casanova (IMO: 7420948) has overall length of 65.00 m, moulded beam of 11.00 m and maximum draft of 4.50 m. The deadweight of the vessel is 1,450 DWT and the gross tonnage is 959 GRT. The ship was built in 1975 by Bijlsma and Zonen shipyard in Wartena, Netherlands.